Share this:

New Delhi, July 2 (G’nY News Service): A series of sudden landslides rocked Darjeeling on Tuesday, June 30. The landslides claimed 38 lives and 23 people are still reported to be missing. The landslides were triggered by heavy rainfall which continued overnight.

According to reports, 38 people have been killed and 23 are still missing. Of these, 22 deaths occurred in Mirik, a popular hill station of the state, and 16 died in Kalimpong, Lava, Sukhia and Gorubathan areas. Also, 20 people are reported injured and 15 missing at 8 Mile and 11 Mile areas in Kalimpong. The rescue operation started immediately; SashastraSeemaBal (SSB) managed to rescue numerous people alive from beneath the mud and debris. About 500 people were displaced from their homes.

Substantial damage to property has also been reported. The Border Road Organization (BRO) is clearing the blocked roads to relieve the situation.

The central and state government are providing complete support to the people. The Prime Minister has announced a compensation of Rs 2 Lakhs to the families of the dead. Chief Minister of the state, Mamata Banerjee also announced 4 lakh compensation. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent a team to the affected area.

Update (June 4)

New Delhi, July 4 (G’nY News Service): Fresh landslides struck Darjeeling again on Friday, July 3 near Rongpo at the Bengal-Sikkim border. The landslides occurred in the absence of rain and winds.

The mishap happened while the rescue operation was in its full swing. The restoration task came to a halt after the landslides.

No casualty has been reported so far but the relief and rescue operation is ceased.